Summer Camps and Programs

Summer Camp can provide children with an opportunity to build independence, new friendships, and pursue interests while providing families with much needed respite. However, finding a program that fits their child’s need can be a challenge for foster and adoptive families parenting children with emotional or developmental disabilities. To assist you in your search, we’ve collected some New York State summer camp and program resources for children with special needs and disabilities. While some programs charge significant fees, most are able to provide financial assistance with tuition and camp fees upon application. See “other resources” at the bottom for additional resources and advice on summer time activities.

Region 1 – Buffalo

Cradle Beach Camp, Angola, NY – Residential camping programs for children ages 8-16 with disabilities and children from low-income families.

Region 6 – New York City Area Below is a very small sample of summer programs in the New York City area. See includenyc searchable camp guide for a comprehensive listing of camps serving New York City children with special needs. New York City families are encouraged to contact the includenyc resource line, 212-677-4660, for assistance in locating appropriate programs and services. Additionally, many New York City foster care agencies operate/support summer camps and programs for families served by their agency. We suggest you contact your agency to inquire about summer programs they offer.

92Y Camp Programs, New York City – Variety of day camps and teen travel camps, short-term sleepaway camps, specialty camps and camps for children with developmental disabilities.

AHRC New York City Camping – Two summer camps, Isaacson Gordon Lodge and Camp Anne offer vacation opportunities to adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Camp Highlight – Highlight is an week-long camp for children ages 8 to 15 who have a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender parent or parents that focuses on recreational activities, nature education, and team building. Camp is hosted at South Mountain YMCA, a camping facility located on 600 acres of a mountain in Wernersville, PA.

Foster Pride – New York City non-profit providing free art, video, photography, music and computer classes as well as scholarships and mentoring to children in the foster care system.

PAL Summer Day Camp and Play Streets Programs – Police Athletic League summer programs for New York City youth with outdoor, adult-supervised recreational, educational and developmental activities in their communities during the summer months.

Very Special Camps – A national an online camp directory for individuals with one or more of a wide range of special needs; allowing you to locate a summer camp or program based upon your specific requirements, interests, and location.

ABOUT THE COALITION

The Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York was founded in 1975
as the New York State Citizens Coalition. The Coalition provides support,
information and advocacy for foster, kinship and adoptive families in
the Empire State and the professionals who serve them.